Alpine Trail Running

Hotham Tracks & Trails - Trail Running

Since the close of winter the Mt Hotham Track Crew have been busy at work preparing Hotham’s iconic tracks and trails for the summer bushwalking season which open last weekend.

All tracks and trails are open with the addition of several link tracks which provides greater versatility of routes for wakers.

Leading up to the Mile High Trail Running event later this month the Track Crew have been working hard on upgrading the Cobungra Ditch for the growing popularity of Trail running. Track surfaces are been levelled and encroaching vegetation is being removed. Other tasks at hand are the installation of steps and placement of more track marker posts. Hotham is rapidly becoming a premier alpine bushwalking destination.

The Cobungra Ditch is set to become one of the alpine regions premier historic trail running routes. With runners able to keep fit for over 10km of level track at an elevation of just over 1500m. Whilst taking in all that fresh air, runners will also be able to absorb some of the fascinating mining history of the Ditch.

Other options for trail runners using the Ditch will be able to link onto a number of other tracks, including the Hotham to Dinner Plain trail, giving access to nearly 30 kilometres of forested trails.

The Hotham track crew will be further upgrading the Ditch as well as the Huts Walk over the coming summer. Should you meet them out on the tracks, they always carry a spare shove for runners who are still looking a little to ‘fresh’!

Events

Dinner Plain Run About

22nd November 2015

The Dinner Plain Mile High Trail Run is set in the picturesque alpine village of Dinner Plain, at 1569 m the course takes in a range of run distances from entry level runners to the more experienced trail runner, offering opportunities for mum, dad and the kids to get out and experience this pristine alpine environment.

Short course distance of 5 km and 10 km are great for the kids and those just wanting to stretch their legs following scenic walking trails. For the more experienced, the 21 km and 32 km courses take in more challenging and historic runs through the Alpine National Park, Mt Hotham Village and the historic Cobungra Ditch.

Soak up the pristine alpine environment and challenge yourself to run at an altitude above 1600 metres (one mile) and join the Dinner Plain Mile High club.

“The alps offer a different environment for runners, not only is the air thinner at a mile high but the water is fresher and temperatures cooler”—said Gary Battershill, owner Peppers Rundells Alpine Lodge. “Runners will certainly have to work a bit harder to join the mile high club”.

Dinner Plain Mile High Trail Run 5/10/21/32km Runs

22nd November 2015

A great opportunity for a family weekend away.

The Dinner Plain Mile High Trail Run forms the cornerstone of the Dinner Plain Mountain Running Festival along with the Great Alpine Road half marathon and 10km fun run. Set in the picturesque alpine village of Dinner Plain at 1569m the course takes in a range of run distances from entry level runners to the more experienced trail runner, offering opportunities for mum, dad and the kids to get out and experience this pristine alpine environment.

Short course distance of 4km and 7km are great for the kids and those just wanting to stretch their legs allowing scenic walking trails. For the more experienced, the 21km and 32km courses take in more challenging and historic runs through the Alpine National Park, Mt Hotham Village and the historic Cobungra Ditch.

Soak up the pristine alpine environment and challenge yourself to run at an altitude above 1600 metres (one mile) and join the Dinner Plain Mile High club.

“The alps offer a different environment for runners, not only is the air thinner at a mile high but the water is fresher and temperatures cooler”, said Gary Battershill, owner Peppers Rundells Alpine Lodge. “Runners will certainly have to work a bit harder to join the mile high club.”

Join in all the fun of the Dinner Plain Mountain Running Festival and compete in both the Dinner Plain Mile High Trail Run and Australia’s highest road half marathon and 10km fun run – the Great Alpine Road. Fun running for all the family.

Alpine Challenge 60km, 100km or 160km

29th November - 1st December 2014

The EventImagine completing 4 marathons in 44 hours; that is the challenge you could face if you decide to enter the Alpine Challenge. The eigth Alpine Challenge Ultra Marathon, incorporating the 100 mile (160km) Alpine Skyrun, the 100km individual and team Alpine Challenge and the 60km Alpine Experience is set to be run over 29 November- 01 December 2104 in the Alpine National Park. With over 7,000 metres of climb and 7,000 metres of descent, this event is the classic 100 mile mountain trail run in Australia; testing runners to the limit.

Set in the spectacular Alpine National Park in north eastern Victoria the event takes in some of the best, hardest and most exposed high country in Australia including Mt Feathertop, Mt Hotham, The Fainters, Spione Kopje, Mt Nelse and Victoria’s highest mountain, Mt Bogong.

In 2006, in what was planned to be the inaugural event, four experienced runners attempted to run the course but were stopped by unseasonal snow. Running in pairs, two runners pulled out at Mt Nelse after taking 17.5 hours to complete 60km and two other runners turned back at 3am in calf deep snow and white out conditions on the approach to Mt Bogong. In 2007 the run was cancelled due to bushfires and it was only in 2008, that the course was completed with three out of five runners completing the distance in 42 hours in perfect conditions.

Records tumbled in 2009 with a new men’s record of 32.45 hours and a new record of 36 hours for the first female to finish the event. In 2010 there were 62 starters including 3 large corporate teams. A new course record of 27 hours was set for the men’s 100 mile and 34.47 hours for the women’s event. 2011 saw a reduction in team entries but solid support from the ultra community with a quality field of 31 starters and 21 finishers – a dropout rate of 34%, indicating the toughness of the course and the toll that runners take from injury, exhaustion and dehydration. Records tumbled in 2012 in perfect but cold and windy running conditions – sub zero at night to 25.19 hours, but at a cost; 45% of the 100 mile solo field DNF’d in their chosen event.

2014 will see a reduction in cut off times (44hours for the 100 miles / 36 hours for the 100km and 60km distances) and disqualification for participants who fail to check in or stop at designated night stops (60km only). This is to ensure that runners do not endanger themselves or event support personnel. 100 mile participants may be given the option of completing the 100km course if they fail to meet the cut off times.

If you’re looking for something different, if you want a fantastic run or tough walking against the clock, great scenery, unpredictable weather and to push yourself to the limits, the Alpine Challenge is for you.

This is a mutual support event; it is not a race in the traditional sense. For safety reasons all participants must offer assistance to others in distress. Participants are responsible for their own safety and assume full liability for their participation.

The event offers a range of challenges over the 100ml/160km, 100km or 60km distances – all challenges must be completed within 44/36 hours:• Alpine Skyrun – an endurance challenge for individual runners• Alpine Challenge – an individual/team endurance event running/walking either solo or in teams of 2 or more• Relay Challenge – generally travelling in pairs, up to 8 runners/walkers in a relay team• Alpine Experience – a 60km introductory option over 2 days for runners / walkers.

Note: All participants must carry mandatory safety gear.

The 100 mile course is an arduous course with 6 major climbs that take a cumulative toll. The event takes place in an exposed Alpine environment that participants continue to underestimate, to their peril, as demonstrated by the high DNF rate. It is subject to sudden and severe changes in weather; hot sunny days as well as rain, fog, high winds, sleet and snow can occur during March.

This is not a run to be taken lightly, hypothermia is a serious risk as is the potential for getting lost, and participants must be prepared for any weather conditions.

2010 – 2 teams had to be retrieved by S&R and evacuated after suffering from exposure2011 – 2 runners and a walker had to evacuated due to injury2012 – 1 runner rescued by Alpine SAR at 3am in sub zero temperatures, one runner collapsed at an aid station suffering from exposure.

Each year runners get lost due to simple and avoidable navigation errors.

The Alpine Challenge should only be attempted by experienced trail runners/walkers with good navigation experience. As a minimum, solo endurance runners attempting the course must have successfully completed at least one organized trail ultra marathon or 8+ hour rogaine in the previous 6 months, and both runners and walkers must have extensive bush walking experience and navigation experience. All participants including relay team members must have experience in running/walking trails and experience in walking/running in cold climate conditions and navigating at night and in adverse conditions.

Razorback Run 22km, 40km or 64km

14th March 2015 (Saturday)

This classic Alpine run offers 4 challenging distances in some of the most spectacular country in Victoria’s Alpine National Park. The 64km Razorback Ridge run which builds on the 58km course but takes in the entire length of the Razorback to offer some of the most spectacular running and scenery in the Australian Alps, the 40km Razorback Circuit and the 22km short course Razorback Ridge – a delightful day out up to the Summit of Mt Feathertop and back along the Razorback.

Set in the heart of Victoria’s high country the Razorback Run is one of the most amazing high altitude runs that Australia has to offer.

1) Razorback Ridge/ High Plains Run. 64km of pure Alpine pleasure and pain with stunning scenery – or possibly lots of mist and no views at all. This is the most stunning and spectacular run of its kind in Victoria and the culmination of over 10 years route planning – a must for the hardened runner.

3) Mt Feathertop Alpine 58km – the ideal training run for anyone thinking of attempting the Alpine Challenge 100mile ultra as it covers 3 of the six climbs and descents, and you do most of it in the daylight.

4) Razorback Circuit 40km, a great run up Bungalow Spur, across the Razorback to Diamantina Hut & back down Bon Accord Spur to Harrietville.

5) Razorback Ridge 22km, an out and back run across the Razorback to Mt Feathertop from Diamantina Hut.

Experience the thrill of running to the summit of Mt Feathertop, Victoria’s second highest peak and Australia’s only real mountain and enjoy stunning views of the high country from the summit, the high plains Swindlers Spur and the Razorback – weather permitting.

SupportThe Razorback Run is a totally self supported run, it is not a race in the true sense of the word. Runners are fully responsible for their own safety and assume full liability for their participation. Participants should offer assistance to other runners in distress and must give way to walkers, especially on the Razorback track.No support personnel or equipment is available other than start / finish at Harrietville Caravan Park, Diamantina Hut and at Pole 333, unless runners bring their own support crew. The 64 and 58km runs cover an arduous course with 3 major climbs that take a cumulative toll.Water is available from rivers and a spring along the course and it is recommended by Parks Victoria that this be treated, a supply if water and refreshments is also available at Diamantina Hut.Marshalls will record runners times at race headquarters at the Harrietville Caravan Park and at Pole 333 and Diamantina Hut. Runners must log in as a safety check.

Weather Conditions / ExperienceThe run takes place in an exposed Alpine environment that can be subject to sudden and severe changes in weather. Rain, fog, high winds, sleet and snow as well as hot sunny days can occur during March. Do not take this run lightly, runners have died in this region. Hypothermia is a serious risk and all runners should be prepared for any weather conditions.The Razorback Runs, with the exception of the 22km distance should only be attempted by experienced trail runners with good navigation experience. As a minimum, runners attempting the 64/58km courses must have successfully completed at least one 30 km organised trail run in the previous 6 months.